By Sean Evans (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: November 2, 2011
Krys Kolanos is a name that Heat fans should get used to hearing. For a team that has struggled offensively, scoring only 12 goals in their first seven games, goals are at a premium. Losing 5-0 to the Toronto Marlies on October 26, the Heat were looking to bounce back in a big way last Friday night against Grand Rapids. And bounce back they did, with the help of the aforementioned Krys Kolanos.
Kolanos, acquired in over the summer on a professional try-out, played his first game as a member of the Heat and made his presence known, notching a hat-trick and one assist in the 5-1 victory over the Grand Rapids Griffins. Kolanos played on a line with Ben Walter and Jon Rheault, and the three clearly had some chemistry right off the bat, as Walter set up three goals, and Rheault potted a goal and an assist. The addition of Kolanos provided a much needed energy to the struggling offense, as goaltender Leland Irving noted in an interview with Abbotsford News: “He creates offence every time he’s on the ice. He’s been one of the top players in this league, and he was definitely a huge boost to this offence.”
While the offence has had a slow start, the defence has been tight, especially on the penalty kill. To-date, the Heat have killed 35-of-38 penalties on the season for a percentage of 92.1. The play of goaltender Leland Irving and defenseman TJ Brodie have obviously factored into those solid numbers.
Irving, in fact, notched his sixth win of the season, yet didn’t finish the game. Late in the second period, a scramble ensued in front of the Griffin’s net, and goaltender Joey MacDonald threw a couple of punches with his blocker, as two fights broke out. Irving took exception to this and skated 200 feet to tangle with MacDonald. The crowd of 5486 erupted as the two goaltenders went at it – Irving landed two punches and earned himself a game misconduct. In an interview with The Abbotsford Times, newcomer Kolanos said of the fight, “I think everyone really enjoyed it, and I’d give him the nod, for sure.”
The Heat continued to build on the excitement of Friday’s win with a win over the Hamilton Bulldogs this past Sunday afternoon, taking them 6-2. Kolanos continued to make his presence known, as he scored one and added two assists, while center Dustin Sylvester potted two of his own. It seems as though the Heat have begun to find their offensive touch. The Heat also managed to kill six penalties, and scored on the man-advantage twice.
The Heat will be back on home ice this Thursday and Saturday with a pair of games against the Oklahoma City Barons.
